Multi-functional beverage cup docking system

ABSTRACT

A disposable beverage cup holder capable of carrying a liquid filled beverage cup in an extremely stable manner during transit is provided. The beverage cup holder is die cut from a single sheet of material such as cardboard, and includes top and bottom panels and two opposing side panels and provides open sides for easy insertion of a beverage cup. Included is a tear-away handle on the top panel, which creates downward pressure on the cup lid, thereby keeping the lid in place. Also included are oval shaped pop-outs and a circular shaped pop-out to allow access to the drinking apertures of the beverage cup lid. Additional features include insulating side panels to protect a user&#39;s fingers from burns and also keep the contents of the cup warm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of beverage cup carrying containers and more particularly to an improved personal beverage cup holder to be used by individuals for the safe and convenient transportation of single beverage cups and for the consumption of the beverage contained therein. The invention is particularly well suited for use in carrying a beverage cup containing a hot liquid such as coffee.

2. Description of the Related Art

Consuming a cup of coffee prior to starting the work day has long been a feature of modern society. In times past, such cups of this hot beverage were typically either purchased and consumed at a café prior to starting work or were purchased and consumed at the work site. Under these conditions, the risk of spills, though not negligible, was at least tolerable as workers typically had to travel only short distances from the point of purchase to the point of consumption. For example, office workers would typically purchase their coffee at the company cafeteria and would therefore only have a short walk to their desks. In case of skilled trades, such as construction, workers would typically purchase their coffee from vending trucks in the parking lot and then only have a short walk to the worksite.

The above describes typical habit and practice up until about the mid-1980s. Work habits and coffee consumption habits have dramatically changed since that time. Now it is common for workers to purchase coffee prior to starting the morning commute, for example from vendors such as Starbucks and the like. Moreover, the morning commute is now often quite lengthy, often exceeding 30 minutes. Therefore, it is now common for workers to consume, or partially consume, their coffee in their cars on the way to work. Even if not consumed in the car, workers are now likely to purchase their coffee from vendors some distance removed from their place of work and must frequently walk hundreds of feet holding hot and generally flimsy paper cups before reaching their desk or worksite. In view of these new habits, i.e. consuming coffee in cars and transporting cups of coffee from off-site vendors to the workplace, the risk of potentially dangerous spills of this hot beverage has dramatically increased in recent times.

Though coffee is still primarily sold in paper cups, numerous “cup enhancers” have been developed to address the aforementioned handling and spillage problems. Among the most common of these are the now ubiquitous corrugated paper sleeves which fit around a paper cup. U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,473 entitled “RECYLCLABLE CORRUGATED BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND HOLDER,” issued to Coffin, Sr. on Apr. 27, 1993, is one such sleeve. Sleeves of this type are generally tapered hollow cylindrical sleeves that fit around the paper cup. As such, the sleeves add a degree of stability to the cup and tend to insulate an individual's fingers from the hot sides of the cup, and therefore represent an improvement over a plain cup. However, even with a sleeve, a cup is still rather flimsy and subject to being crushed by workers drinking and driving, running while crossing a street, or otherwise in a hurry. Moreover, the sleeves do nothing to prevent coffee from sloshing out of the open end of the cup.

To address the sloshing problem, lids, typically made of plastic have been developed to fit over a paper cup. U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,569, entitled “LID FOR DRINKING CUP,” is a representative example of such lids. Plastic lids of this type typically snap over the lip of the open end of a paper cup and thereby reduce the risk of sloshing during brisk walking or driving. Such lids typically have small apertures located on the side or in the center of the lid to allow limited access for drinking. However, these lids are not foolproof. Moderate pressure around the upper portion of the cup will not infrequently cause the lid to “pop-off” the cup with the consequent result being a potentially dangerous spill. Room for improvement remains in the art.

What is needed therefore is a beverage cup holder designed to work in conjunction with a paper cup fitted with an aforementioned plastic lid and optionally a paper sleeve. Such a device should include a feature which tends to secure the plastic lid when the cup is being carried from the point of sale to the point of consumption in order to reduce the possibility of the lid popping off and causing a spill. The feature for securing the lid should also be easily removable for ease of drinking when the cup has been transported to the workplace of other place of beverage consumption. The cup holder should further include provisions to allow an individual to drink from the cup regardless of whether the plastic lid has a side aperture or center aperture. It would further be desirable for a cup holder to improve the stability of a cup and to provide insulation to the cup.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention beverage cup holder overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a disposable cup holder which is capable of carrying a liquid filled beverage cup in an extremely stable manner during transit. The beverage cup holder may be die cut from a single sheet of material, with cardboard being preferred, and includes top and bottom panels and two opposing side panels or walls and provides two opposing open sides for easy insertion or extraction of a cup.

The invention includes a tear-away handle on its top panel; which, when used during transit from the point of sale to the point of consumption tends to create downward pressure on the cup lid, thereby keeping the lid in place. Yet, at the point of consumption, the handle simply tears away to allow free access to the apertures formed in the cup's plastic lid.

The present invention beverage cup holder also includes oval-shaped die cut pop-outs along its top edges and a circular-shaped die cut pop-out in its top center panel to provide easy access to the side or center drinking aperture of the cup's plastic lid, whichever it may have.

The base of the present invention beverage cup holder is substantially flat to provide added stability to a typical beverage cup during transport. The side panels of the cup holder include die cut perforated lines which allow panels to be folded inwardly to contact the side of a cup to insulate a user's fingers from burns and also keep the contents of the cup warmer than otherwise.

The present invention cup holder may be made from cardboard, paper board and most any other type of pressed pulp paper product, corrugated paper product, various plastics available in sheet form, laminates of paper and plastic, as well as essentially any other material which can be die cut or similar and is available in sheet form. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cardboard sheet or blank used in the construction of the beverage cup holder of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention cup holder with the top handle attached to the top panel and with die cut perforations for pop-outs and hinged panels shown as dashed lines.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention cup holder with the top handle and certain pop-outs removed and side panels bent inwardly to illustrate the features of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a beverage cup holder 10 made in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts the fully assembled cup holder in a state ready for the insertion of a cup 30 having a lid 32. FIG. 3, by contrast shows the beverage cup holder of FIG. 2 with the cup and lid inserted into the holder. The beverage cup holder is made from a blank 38 (FIG. 1) that is folded and glued to form a substantially rectangular cup holder having a substantially flat bottom panel 14, a top panel 12 and mutually opposing first and second side panels 16 and 18. The cup holder also includes a detachable or tear-away handle 20 as well as oval pop-outs 22 formed at each junction of the top panel with the adjacent side panels. The top panel also includes a circular pop-out 24. Also depicted are scores or perforations 26 in the side panels. The exertion of finger pressure between each pair of perforations along a vertical edge of a side panel will cause the panel to separate at the perforation to form insulating sub-panels 28 (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the blank 38 from which the beverage cup holder 10 of the present invention is formed. The blank comprises the top panel 12 which includes scores or perforations 74 which form the circular pop-out 24. Adjacent to the top panel, on each side of the panel are the first and second side panels 16 and 18. Demarking the boundary between the top panel and the side panels are first and second fold or crease lines 44 and 46, respectively. The fold lines are formed into the blank during the manufacturing process and aid in the precise folding of the blank to form the cup holder. Formed into the corners defined by top panel and each adjacent side panel are scores or perforations 72. The perforations form the oval pop-outs 22. In one embodiment, the top panel may be either generally square or rectangular and is defined by the first and second fold lines and by the free edges 58 and 60.

The first side panel 16 is generally quadrilateral in shape having generally inwardly tapering long free edges 54 and 56 and having upper and lower fold lines 44 and 40. The upper fold line of the first side panel is coincident with (i.e. the same as) the first fold line of the top panel. Likewise, the second side panel 18 is also generally quadrilateral in shape having generally inwardly tapering long free edges 62 and 64 and having upper and lower fold lines 46 and 42. The upper fold line of the second side panel is coincident with (i.e. the same as) the second fold line of the top panel. Each side panel also includes four or more (at least two on each free edge) lines of scores or perforations 26. Upon the exertion of finger pressure, the scores or perforations separate from the side panels to form the insulating sub-panels 28 (see FIG. 3).

At each end of the blank 38 and adjacent to the first and second side panels 16 and 18, respectively, are first and second bottom sub-panels 14(a) and 14(b). In one embodiment, these sub-panels may be either generally square or generally rectangular. The first bottom sub-panel has free edges 48, 50 and 52, and a fold line 40 which is coincident with the lower fold line of the first side panel 16. Likewise, the second bottom sup-panel has free edges 66, 68 and 70, and a fold line 42 which is coincident with the lower fold line of the second side panel 18. During assembly, the bottom sub-panels 14(a) and 14(b) overlap each other and are glued in place to form the bottom panel 14.

The handle 20 of the present invention cup holder 10 is formed of two panels 21 folded into a v-shape, which is inverted for attachment to the top panel 12. The panels of the handle are generally flat and may include cutouts 23 to facilitate ease of handling.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention beverage cup holder 10 may be assembled in the following manner. A sheet of suitable material is manufactured and may then be printed and/or embossed with any desired graphics on either or both sides of the sheet. Suitable materials include cardboard, paper board, and most any other type of pressed pulp paper product. Corrugated variations of the above materials are also suitable as are most any plastic material available in sheet form. Likewise, laminates of paper and plastic are also suitable. Foldable metal foils having a stiffness similar to that of cardboard are also suitable.

Once a suitable material has been chosen and, if desired, printed or embossed with graphics, the blank 38 is die cut from the sheet. The blank may then be folded upwardly along the crease lines 44 and 46 to bring the opposing sides 16 and 18 into a generally parallel facing relationship, wherein both side panels are perpendicular to the top panel.

The bottom sub-panels 14(a) and 14(b) may then be folded inwardly such that the panels fully overlap each other and are parallel to the top panel 12 and are perpendicular to the side panels are axially displaced from the top panel by the length of the side panels which is approximately equivalent to the height of a drinking cup and lid. The bottom sub-panels may then be glued together with any suitable adhesive to form the bottom panel 14. The handle 22, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a separate component, may then be glued to the top panel 12. However, those skilled in the art of blank design for foldable containers will understand that the handle may also be easily formed as a portion of the one-piece blank, in which case it would be folded into place on the top panel and glued to the top panel along one free edge.

The present invention cup holder 10 may be used quite simply as follows. A user need merely slide a beverage cup 30 into the cup holder as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. When a beverage is being transported, upward force on the handle 22, produced by the weight of the beverage being supported by the handle tends to generate inwardly directed compressive force in the top panel 12, the compressive force being introduced to the top panel at the points of attachment of the handle to the top panel. The compressive force causes the top panel to buckle and deflect downwardly against the lid 32 of the cup and thereby functions to keep the lid in place during transport of the beverage. A user may consume a beverage while it is in the cup holder by removing one of the oval pop-outs 22 in the case of cups with lids having side mounted drinking apertures or may remove the center pop-out 24 where a lid provides an aperture for a straw 36. The provision of oval and center pop-outs substantially enhances the usability of the cup holder. Moreover, if desired, the handle may be removed (i.e. torn away) from the cup holder to facilitate drinking of the beverage.

A user may also elect to form the insulating sub-panels 28 along the perimeter of cup holder by merely pressing between the scored lines 26. The insulating sub-panels function to protect a user's fingers from burns and to keep the contents of the beverage cup warm. The insulating sub-panels also provide a convenient gripping surface, where the cup holder is being used to transport a cold beverage, as may sometimes be the case.

It should also be noted that the present invention cup holder 10 with its double layer, flat base panel 14 provides more support than would be provided by a cup alone when the beverage is placed upon a table top or other flat surface. This occurs because paper cups typically possess a recessed bottom surface and therefore rest only upon a circular edge.

As stated previously, any desired graphics may be printed on either or both sides of the blank 38 from which the cup holder is formed. Thus, the present invention cup holder provides substantial surface area for advertising.

The foregoing detailed description and appended drawings are intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention beverage cup holder, which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the foregoing specification and drawings, and of the claims appended below, are possible and practical. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments. 

1. A disposable beverage cup holder for carrying a beverage cup, the cup including a lid, the cup holder comprising: a top panel having a first fold line and a second fold line on opposing ends of the panel, respectively; first and second mutually opposing side panels in a facing relationship, each panel having upper and lower fold lines, the upper fold line of the first side panel connecting to the first fold line of the top panel and the upper fold line of the second side panel connecting to the second fold line of the top panel, the side panels being folded downwardly so as to be generally perpendicular to the top panel; first and second bottom sub-panels each having a fold line, the fold line of the first bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the first side panel and the fold line of the second bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the second side panel, the bottom sub-panels being folded inwardly and fixed together such that the bottom sub-panels rest one on top of the other and are generally parallel to, and axially displaced from, the top panel; and a handle, the handle being in the form of two flat panels folded to form an inverted v-shape, the handle being fixed to the top panel.
 2. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the handle is a tear-away handle.
 3. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the flat panels of the handle include one or more cutouts for ease in carrying.
 4. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein a generally circular-shaped pop-out is formed into the top panel for the receipt of a drinking straw.
 5. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein at least one generally oval-shaped pop-out is formed into at least one of the intersections formed by the junction of the top panel and the side panels, wherein the pop-out may be popped out to provide access to a drinking aperture formed in the lid of the cup.
 6. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein each side panel further includes at least two inwardly directed perforations which when depressed form an inwardly directed insulating sub-panel.
 7. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the cup holder is printed with graphics.
 8. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the free edges of the side panels taper inwardly from top to bottom.
 9. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom panels are of generally square shape.
 10. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein at least one surface is printed with graphics.
 11. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the container is made from a pressed pulp paper product.
 12. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 1, wherein the container is made from a single blank.
 13. A disposable beverage cup holder for carrying a beverage cup, the cup including a lid, the cup holder comprising: a top panel having a first fold line and a second fold line on opposing ends of the panel, respectively; first and second mutually opposing side panels in a facing relationship, each panel having upper and lower fold lines, the upper fold line of the first side panel connecting to the first fold line of the top panel and the upper fold line of the second side panel connecting to the second fold line of the top panel, the side panels being folded downwardly to be generally perpendicular to the top panel; first and second bottom sub-panels each having a fold line, the fold line of the first bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the first side panel and the fold line of the second bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the second side panel, the bottom sub-panels being folded inwardly and fixed together such that the bottom sub-panels rest one on top of the other and are generally parallel to, and axially displaced from, the top panel; and a tear-away handle, the handle being in the form of two flat panels folded to form an inverted v-shape, the handle being fixed to the top panel.
 14. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 13, wherein the flat panels of the handle include one or more cutouts for ease in carrying.
 15. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 13, wherein a generally circular-shaped pop-out is formed into the top panel for the receipt of a drinking straw.
 16. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 13, wherein at least one generally oval-shaped pop-out is formed into at least one of the intersections formed by the junction of the top panel and the side panels, wherein the pop-out may be popped out to provide access to a drinking aperture formed in the lid of the cup.
 17. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 13, wherein each side panel further includes at least two inwardly directed perforations which when depressed form an inwardly directed insulating sub-panel.
 18. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 13, wherein the free edges of the side panels taper inwardly from top to bottom.
 19. A disposable beverage cup holder for carrying a beverage cup, the cup including a lid, the cup holder comprising: a top panel having a first fold line and a second fold line on opposing ends of the panel, respectively; first and second mutually opposing side panels in a facing relationship, each panel having upper and lower fold lines, the upper fold line of the first side panel connecting to the first fold line of the top panel and the upper fold line of the second side panel connecting to the second fold line of the top panel, the side panels being folded downwardly to be generally perpendicular to the top panel; first and second bottom sub-panels each having a fold line, the fold line of the first bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the first side panel and the fold line of the second bottom sub-panel connecting to the lower fold line of the second side panel, the bottom sub-panels being folded inwardly and fixed together such that the bottom sub-panels rest one on top of the other and are generally parallel to, and axially displaced from, the top panel; a tear-away handle, the handle being in the form of two flat panels folded to form an inverted v-shape, the handle being fixed to the top panel; at least one generally oval-shaped pop-out formed into at least one of the intersections formed by the junction of the top panel and the side panels, and at least one circular-shaped cutout formed into the top panel, wherein the pop-outs may be popped out to provide access to a drinking aperture formed in the lid of the cup; and at least two inwardly directed perforations which when depressed form an inwardly directed insulating sub-panel.
 20. The disposable beverage cup holder of claim 19, wherein the free edges of the side panels taper inwardly from top to bottom. 